irony

¹

[ ahy-ruh-nee, ahy-er- ]

noun

, plural i·ro·nies.

1. the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning:

   the irony of her reply, “How nice!” when I said I had to work all weekend.

2. Literature.
   1. a technique of indicating, as through character or plot development, an intention or attitude opposite to that which is actually or ostensibly stated.
   2. (especially in contemporary writing) a manner of organizing a work so as to give full expression to contradictory or complementary impulses, attitudes, etc., especially as a means of indicating detachment from a subject, theme, or emotion.
3. Socratic irony.
4. dramatic irony.
5. an outcome of events contrary to what was, or might have been, expected.
6. the incongruity of this.
7. an objectively sardonic style of speech or writing.
8. an objectively or humorously sardonic utterance, disposition, quality, etc.

irony

²

[ ahy-er-nee ]

adjective

1. consisting of, containing, or resembling the metal iron:

   an irony color.

irony

¹

/ ˈaɪənɪ /

adjective

1. of, resembling, or containing iron

irony

²

/ ˈaɪrənɪ /

noun

1. the humorous or mildly sarcastic use of words to imply the opposite of what they normally mean
2. an instance of this, used to draw attention to some incongruity or irrationality
3. incongruity between what is expected to be and what actually is, or a situation or result showing such incongruity
4. See dramatic irony
5. philosophy See Socratic irony

irony

1. The use of words to mean something very different from what they appear on the surface to mean. Jonathan Swift uses irony in “ A Modest Proposal ” when he suggests the eating of babies as a solution to overpopulation and starvation in Ireland .

Word History and Origins

Origin of irony¹

First recorded in 1495–1505; from Latin īrōnīa, from Greek eirōneía “dissimulation, sarcasm, understatement,” equivalent to eírōn “a dissembler” + -eia -y ³

Origin of irony²

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English ireni; iron + -y ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of irony¹

C16: from Latin ironia, from Greek eirōneia, from eirōn dissembler, from eirein to speak

Synonym Study

Irony, sarcasm, satire indicate mockery of something or someone. The essential feature of irony is the indirect presentation of a contradiction between an action or expression and the context in which it occurs. In the figure of speech, emphasis is placed on the opposition between the literal and intended meaning of a statement; one thing is said and its opposite implied, as in the comment, “Beautiful weather, isn't it?” made when it is raining or nasty. Ironic literature exploits, in addition to the rhetorical figure, such devices as character development, situation, and plot to stress the paradoxical nature of reality or the contrast between an ideal and actual condition, set of circumstances, etc., frequently in such a way as to stress the absurdity present in the contradiction between substance and form. Irony differs from sarcasm in greater subtlety and wit. In sarcasm ridicule or mockery is used harshly, often crudely and contemptuously, for destructive purposes. It may be used in an indirect manner, and have the form of irony, as in “What a fine musician you turned out to be!” or it may be used in the form of a direct statement, “You couldn't play one piece correctly if you had two assistants.” The distinctive quality of sarcasm is present in the spoken word and manifested chiefly by vocal inflection, whereas satire and irony, arising originally as literary and rhetorical forms, are exhibited in the organization or structuring of either language or literary material. Satire usually implies the use of irony or sarcasm for censorious or critical purposes and is often directed at public figures or institutions, conventional behavior, political situations, etc.

Example Sentences

The commonly understood definition of irony, where what is said is literally the opposite of what is meant, comes to us from Greek philosophers.

From Salon

The irony of the “Cop Killer” — the song by his heavy metal band Body Count that resulted in a parting of ways with Warner Bros.

From Los Angeles Times

And, in a twist of irony, manatees' Florida residency was fueled by the same factor that now threatens their existence -- climate change.

From Science Daily

The irony and the tragedy are that during the interval between Harris’ debut as the nominee-apparent in late July and the debate in mid-September, the Democrats finally got their act together.

From Salon

The irony is not lost on Dee Goddard, who grew up "down south", when she says that she originally moved to the area because "we thought it would be a cheaper option".

From BBC

Related Words

• humor
• paradox
• satire
• twist
• wit